Decedent
Gospel Pilgrim Decedents has a comprehensive list of men, women, and children interred in the cemetery. Using grave markers, obituaries, and death certificates, we have complied a list of individuals buried within the cemetery and, to the extent possible with archival silences, developed short biographies of each persons' life. Some decedents have marked graves, while others do not.
In part, this data is based on an early 2000s GIS survey of the cemetery, which was completed by David Berle, Gail Tarver, Taylor Ladd from the University of Georgia's Horticulture Department. The Athens-Clarke County Death Certificate data was, likewise, transcribed by Leah Richier, an graduate alumni of the University of Georgia's Department of History.
Last Name | First Name | Gender | Race | Status | Occupation | DOB | DOD | Age |
Grave Location![]() |
Grave Marker | Biography |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Benford | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Fireman | December 31, 1922 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Derricotte | Fannie | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laundress | December 31, 1861 | December 31, 1933 | 72 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Gabrella and George Brown, Fannie Brown Derricotte was born around 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. She was widowed sometime before 1900, and had at least two children: Mary and Willie. According to the 1880, 1900, 1910 and 1920 Census, She worked as a laundress. She died from cardio vascular renal disease on February 21, 1934. According to her death certificate, she worked as a domestic and lived at 825 W Hancock Avenue. |
Jones | Lula | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1858 | December 31, 1929 | 71 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Lula Jones was born on March 18, 1859 and most likely enslaved. She married and had three children. In 1910, she was a widow who worked as a cook and rented a house at 160 Lyndon Avenue. According to the 1928 City Directory, she worked as a cook and lived at 157 Warsaw Street. She died from unknown cause on April 3, 1930. |
Smith | Georgia | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laundress | December 31, 1861 | December 31, 1940 | 79 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Georgia Smith was born around 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. Sometime before 1910, she was married and widowed. She worked as seamstress in a Shirt Factory in 1910 and a laundress in 1920. In 1940, she lived alone at 420 Athens Avenue. At 79 years old, she died from unknown causes on January 1, 1941. |
Scott | Magnolia | Female | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1921 | 17 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Johnson | William | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1919 | 26 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Gilbert | Robert | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1952 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Robert Gilbert, who resided at 346 Bowie Street SW in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in January 1953. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
Brown | Mamie | Female | African American | Free | Teacher | December 31, 1880 | December 31, 1960 | 80 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Mamie E. Brown was born around 1881. She married Anderson S. Brown and the couple at had least three children: Hamilton, Fedrick, and Julius. She was active in the Odd Fellows and, during a 1915 convention, she “welcomed the visitors to the colored households of Athens.” In 1910 and 1930, she and her family lived at 987 Reese Street. She worked as a public school teacher, according to the 1930 Census. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived still lived at 987 Reese Street, but now worked as a cook at “Chicken Shack.” She died from unknown causes on April 3, 1961. |
Heard | J. | Unknown | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1854 | December 31, 1907 | 53 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to the tombstone, this individual was born on June 6, 1855 and most likely was enslaved as a child. They died from unknown causes on December 30, 1908. | |
Dunfoy | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |||
Gaiy | Harriet | Female | African American | Free | 55 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Harriet C. Gaiy died during the 1940s at 55 years old. | |||
Lovingood | J. | Unknown | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1874 | December 31, 1919 | 45 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to the tombstone, J. H. Lovingood was born on February 9, 1875 and died on March 31, 1920. This individual was 45 years old at the time of their death. This person is most likely Edward Lovingood who, according to the 1914 City Directory, worked as a painter and lived at 1327 W Hancock Avenue. |
Tripp | Genie | Female | African American | Free | Laundress | December 31, 1898 | December 31, 1913 | 25 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Carry Pope, Genie E. Tripp was born on July 9, 1889. In 1900, she lived with her grandmother (Laura Gullins) and, even though a child, she worked as a nurse. In 1910, she lived with her mother and step-father (Harry Pope) at 163 Third Street. In 1910, she worked as a ironer at the laundry. She died from unknown causes on December 18, 1914. |
Thomas | Margret | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1919 | 80 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Stanton | John | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1947 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | John R. Stanton was an Athens resident who was born around 1899. He was married and had multiple siblings. He died from unknown causes on October 25, 1948 and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 31, 1948. [Researched and written by Abby Lauterbach] | |||
Carrington | Sarah | Female | African American | Free | Housewife | December 31, 1883 | December 31, 1931 | 48 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Eliza and Mayor Saggors, Sarah L. Carrington was born on March 23, 1884 in Georgia. She married Chas H. Carrington, a railroad shop laborer, and the couple lived in Birmingham, Alabama. She died from unknown causes on January 8,1932. Her body was returned to Athens and interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on January 11, 1932. She was only 48 years old at the time of her death. |
Jackson | Cora | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1886 | December 31, 1887 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Cora Jackson was born on July 15, 1887 and died on February 7, 1888. The infant was only 7 months old at the time of her death. | ||
Ray | Lizzie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1902 | December 31, 1903 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Lizzie May Ray was born on July 7, 1903 and died on September 8, 1904. The infant was 1 year 2 months old when she died. | |
Nesbrit | Hellen | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1919 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Hawkins | Rebecca | Female | African American | Enslaved | Housework | December 31, 1848 | December 31, 1926 | 78 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
McQueen | Carrie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1883 | December 31, 1883 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Carrie McQueen died in 1885; she was 1 year, 3 months, and 11 days old. She most likely was the infant daughter of Nettie and W. M. McQueen, who, according to the 1897 City Directory, lived at 630 Hull Street. She was the sibling of Mamie N. McQueen and William McQueen. | |
Winkfield | Ellen | Female | African American | Free | Seamstress | December 31, 1868 | December 31, 1956 | 88 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Ellen Winkfield (or Wingfield) was born around 1869. She married William Wingfield and the couple had at least three children: Walter, Callie, and Hattie. In 1910 and 1920, the family lived on Bridge Street and she worked as a dressmaker. According to the 1954 City Directory, she lived at 229 Bridge Street. She died from unknown causes on November 2, 1957. |
B[??] | Gar[?]le | Unknown | African American | Unknown | 37 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | |||
Bimett | Mary | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1921 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Derricotte | Savannah | Female | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1851 | December 31, 1899 | 47 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Savannah Derricotte was born on November 17, 1852 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1874, she married Henry Derricotte, a carpenter, and, in 1900, the couple had seven living children. According to the 1900 Census, she did not work. At 47 years old, she died from unknown causes on September 25, 1900. According to the 1909 City Directory, Henry Derricotte lived at 213 Chase Street and this is most likely her last address. | |
Jones | Thomas | Male | African American | Enslaved | Driver | December 31, 1829 | December 31, 1899 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Thomas Jones was born around 1830 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, he worked as a domestic servant and in 1880 he worked as a street car driver. He married Mary Jones in 1863 and the couple most likely did not have living children. In 1900, he lived at 529 Lumpkin Street. He died from unknown causes on October 13, 1900. |
Smith | Flournoy | Unknown | African American | Unknown | Laborer | December 31, 1941 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to the 1931 City Directory, Flournoy Smith worked as a labor and lived at 160 Hendrix Avenue. They died from unknown causes on May 6, 1942. | ||
Shanks | Armina | Female | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1924 | 31 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | Callie | Female | African American | Free | Domestic | December 31, 1925 | 39 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Griggs | Mary | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1966 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Mother Mary Thomas, who resided at 541 Irene St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in September 1967. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
Brown | Anderson | Male | African American | Free | Barber | December 31, 1868 | December 31, 1938 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Anderson S. Brown was born in 1869. In 1900, he was widowed and worked as a post office clerk. He remarried before 1910; he and Mamie E. Brown at had least three children: Hamilton, Fedrick, and Julius. They were active in the Odd Fellows and, during a 1915 convention, she “welcomed the visitors to the colored households of Athens.” He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He worked as a “Special Deputy” for the “City Odd Teller” in 1910 and aa barber in 1920 and 1930. In 1910, 1920, and 1930, the family lived at 987 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1939. She remained in the house after his death. |
Heard | Lizzie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1894 | December 31, 1957 | 63 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Lizzie Dorsey Heard was born around December 25, 1880 or 1895 (according to the Death Index). She most likely married Hill Heard, a farmer, and, according to the 1926 City Directory, they lived at 275 Field [Rd? St? Av?]. She died from unknown causes July 31, 1958. She was around 63 years old. | |
Eberhart | Martha | Female | African American | Free | Housework | December 31, 1918 | 33 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
George | Maria | Female | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1824 | December 31, 1914 | 90 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Maria George was born around 1825 and most likely spent the first half of her life enslaved. As a widow in 1910, she owned a home at 584 Strong Street. She still lived at that address in 1912, according to the City Directory. She died from unknown causes on March 14, 1915. | |
Lyles | Eugene | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1972 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Eugene Lyles was born around 1870. He married Mattie Owens Lyles and, in 1930, they lived at 147 Plum Street. He worked as a plasterer in both 1910 and 1930. According to the 1956 City Directory, he still lived at 147 Plum Street. According to his tombstone, he died on November 25, 1973. | ||
Tuggle | N. | Unknown | African American | Free | December 31, 1897 | December 31, 1966 | 68 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | N. Tuggle was born on February 25, 1898 and died from unknown causes on February 5, 1967. | |
Thomas | Matt | Male | African American | Enslaved | Driver | December 31, 1923 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Strickland | Willie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1973 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | The son of Edward Strickland and Jennie (Wagner or Wagoner) Strickland, Willie Strickland was born in Athens, GA around 1898. He grew up on First Street, and after marrying Bertha Mae Harvey in 1937, the couple moved down the street to another residence on First Street. Throughout his life, Strickland had many different jobs including working in a saw mill according to the 1920 census, a cotton mill according to the 1930 census, and as a maid according to a 1931 Athens directory. During the Second World War, Strickland registered for the draft, but was not drafted into service, most likely because he was already married and 43 years old at the time. He died from unknown causes on April 6, 1974 in Athens, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Casey Serrano] | |||
Clark | Minnie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1889 | December 31, 1932 | 43 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Minnie Lee Clark was born around 1890 and died in November 1933. She was only 43years old at the time of her death. | |
Jackson | Alfred | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1821 | December 31, 1883 | 62 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Alfred Jackson was born around 1822 in Virginia and most likely spent most of his life enslaved. He married Louisa Jackson and the couple had at least six children: Camilla, Edward, Albin, Bettie, Mary, and Judy. He worked as a day laborer in 1870 and a white washer in 1880. He lived on River Street. He died from unknown causes on February 14, 1884. |
Reed | Julia | Female | African American | Free | Teacher | December 31, 1879 | December 31, 1960 | 81 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Julia W. Reed was born around 1880. According to the 1931 City Directory, she was the principal at West Broad Street School and lived at 669 Madison Avenue. She remained at that address in 1940 and worked as teacher. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 147 North Avenue. At 81 years old, she died from unknown causes on July 19, 1961. |
Newsome | Susie | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1860 | December 31, 1926 | 66 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Hayes | Annie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1921 | December 31, 1922 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
McQueen | Mamie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1881 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Mamie McQueen died in 1885. She most likely was the infant daughter of Nettie and W. M. McQueen, who, according to the 1897 City Directory, lived at 630 Hull Street. Hull Street. She was the sibling of CarrieMcQueen and William McQueen. | |||
Winkfield | Walter | Male | African American | Free | Mail Carrier | December 31, 1887 | December 31, 1931 | 43 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Ellen and William Wingfield, Walter P. Winkfield (or Wingfield) was born around 1888. In 1910, he lived with his parents on Bridge Street and worked as a barber. In 1920, he worked as a “US City Carrier.” He died from “[cancer?] of face” on March 14, 1932. According to his Death Certificate, he was a “postman” and lived at 221 Bridge Street. |
B. | W. | Unknown | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
Binns | Elizzebeth | Female | African American | Free | Teacher | December 31, 1925 | 24 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Derricotte | Edward | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1856 | December 31, 1939 | 83 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Edward J. Derricotte was born on March 12, 1858 and most likely enslaved as an infant. He worked as a day laborer in 1870 and as a “Sexton To Church” in 1880. In 1882, he married Charlotte L. Derricotte and the couple had at least four children: Ophelia, Edward Jr., Tom, and Andrew. He worked as a laborer at “odd jobs” while living in Everett, Massachusetts in 1920. Upon returning to Athens, he worked as carpenter in 1920. After the death of his wife, he moved back to Everett, Massachusetts where he worked as a janitor and lived with extended family. He died from unknown causes on June 4, 1940. |
Jones | Julius | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1907 | December 31, 1941 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Julius C. Jones was born in 1908 and died in 1942. | |
Smith | Priscilla | Female | African American | Free | Domestic | December 31, 1889 | December 31, 1962 | 73 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Jane and Bedny Smith, Priscilla Smith was born around 1890. In 1900, she lived with her parents at 1112 Billups Street and attended school. She appears to have married and been widowed young. She worked as a cook in 1910, a nurse in 1930, and a maid in 1940. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a maid and lived at 1160 W Hancock Avenue. At 73 years old, she died from unknown causes on January 28, 1963. |
Shaw | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Mason | December 31, 1922 | 36 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | John | Male | African American | Free | Drayman | December 31, 1919 | 40 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Griggs | Joe | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1949 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Joe Henry Griggs, who resided at 280 Cain St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in May 1950. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
Brown | Alice | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1910 | December 31, 1912 | 2 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Alice E. Brown was born on 1911 and died on 1913. | |
Heard | M. | Unknown | African American | Free | December 31, 1887 | December 31, 1888 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to the tombstone, this 7 month-old infant was born on October 12, 1888and died from unknown causes on May 14, 1889. | ||
Echols | Hiram | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 53 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Geter | Otis | Male | African American | Free | Unemployed | December 31, 1899 | December 31, 1967 | 67 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Ida and Dink Geter, Otis Geter (or Jeter) was born around 1900. As a child, he attended school and lived on Fourth Street with his parents. He married Alice Brown on May 17, 1937. At the time of the Second World War, he was unemployed and living at 630 Madison Avenue. On February 12, 1959, he was arrested for liquor possession and spent twelve months in jail. He died from unknown causes on May 6, 1969. |
Lyles | Mattie | Female | African American | Free | Laundress | December 31, 1880 | December 31, 1934 | 55 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Isabel Owens and Coloumbus Hardman, Mattie Owens Lyles was born on March 12, 1881. She married Eugene Lyles sometime before 1910. In 1910, she worked as a washer woman and, in 1930, she was a housewife. She died from diabetes mellitus and candidiasis disease on August 25, 1935. According to her Death Certificate, she was a housewife living at 147 Plum Street. |
Turner | Frances | Female | African American | Free | Laundress | December 31, 1892 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Frances Truner was born around 1893. She married Luther Turner and the couple had at least seven children: John, Dorthey, Walter, Fannis, Charles, Joseph, and Crawford. In 1920, the couple lived on Water Street. In 1940, they lived at 970 Hobson Street and she worked as a laundress. She died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
Thomas | Orrie | Female | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1867 | December 31, 1923 | 56 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Teasley | Annie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1983 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Annie S. Maxwell Teasley was born in 1917. At 67 years old, she died on November 13, 1984. At the time of her death, resided in Fulton County and, according to her obituary, had three sisters and a daughter. [Researched and written by Nicole Powell] | |||
Clark | Julia | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1880 | December 31, 1940 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Julia Shaw Clark was born in 1881. She most likely married William W. Clark, a laborer, and the couple lived at 144 Warsaw Street, according to the 1929 City Directory. At 84 years old, she died in 1941. | |
Jackson | Louisa | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laundress | December 31, 1825 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Louisa Jackson was born around 1826 in Georgia and most likely spent most of her life enslaved. She married Alfred Jackson, a day laborer and white washer, and the couple had at least six children: Camilla, Edward, Albin, Bettie, Mary, and Judy. She worked as a washer and ironer in 1880 and lived on River Street. She died sometime after 1880. | ||
Reid | Dina | Male | African American | Free | Seamstress | December 31, 1885 | December 31, 1917 | 32 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Dina Reid was born around 1886. She married Lorenza W. Reed Jr. and, in 1910, the couple lived on Pearl Street. She worked as a seamstress. She died from unknown causes on April 17, 1918. |
Norman | John | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 68 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Hayes | Magnola | Female | African American | Free | Housework | December 31, 1922 | 18 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Meriweather | Senie | Female | African American | Free | Laundress | December 31, 1876 | December 31, 1905 | 29 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Maria and James Meriwether. Senie or Sena Meriwether was born on April 5, 1877. In 1880, she lived with her parents and siblings at 295 Thomas Street. According to the 1904 City Directory, she worked as a washerwoman and lived at 26 Rock Spring Street. At 29 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 8, 1906. |
Winkfield | Pattie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1918 | December 31, 1964 | 48 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Pattie Winkfield was born in 1919. At 48 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 19, 1965. According to her obituary in The Atlanta Constitution, she lived at 229 Bridge Street. | |
Bacon | Robert | Male | African American | Enslaved | Porter | December 31, 1818 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Robert Bacon was born around 1819 and most likely enslaved for much of his life. He married Minerva Bacon sometime before 1870 and the couple had at least three children: Robert Jr., Edward, and Mary. He worked as a La laborer in 1870 and porter in 1880. In 1880, he lived with his wife, children, daughter-in-law, and grand children at 353 Foundry Street in Athens. According to the 1889 City Directory, his wife lived at 414 N Foundry Street and this is most likely his last address. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
Boland | Mary | Female | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Dillard | Hansel | Male | African American | Enslaved | Barber | December 31, 1792 | December 31, 1852 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Hansel Dillard was born enslaved around 1793. Trained as a barber, Dillard advertised his services to white Athenians in The Southern Whig: “Barbering and Hair-dressing. Hansel Dillard, Respectfully informs the citizens of Athens and the public generally, that he will, at all times, be found at his Shop, happy to accommodate those who favor him with their patronage.” In an era that barred almost all free and enslaved men from skilled employment, barbers enjoyed steady, profitable work. Indeed, this profession paid well; Dillard’s earning bought him freedom. As a free man of color, Dillard carved out a respectable space for himself in the slaveholding South. Dillard, according to The Weekly Banner, “made a great deal of money.” In addition to his barbershop, Dillard owned a bakery, operated a confectionery, kept a stable, and ran a delivery service. For him, and many other African-American men, barbering was a path to freedom and middle-class prosperity. It allowed him to procure not only his own freedom, but purchase his wife’s freedom for $1000 as well. She, then, took in student’s washing for additional income. In 1851, Dillard owned property; he paid taxes. Sixty-year-old Dillard died of unknown causes on Sept. 5, 1853. He was buried in Athens. Exactly where, however, is unknown. At some point, years after Hansel Dillard’s death, friends from Charleston, South Carolina erected a tombstone in his memory. While damaged by age and neglect, the stone, inscribed “I know that my Redeemer livith,” still stands in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery today. |
Jones | Ida | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1888 | December 31, 1948 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Ida Jones was born in 1889. In 1920, she lived with her husband, John Jones, a drayman, and their four children: William, Suise, Bernadett, and David. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived at 425 Cleveland Avenue. At age 61, she died on June 29, 1949. | |
Smith | [??]ssie | Unknown | African American | Free | December 31, 1940 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | |||
Shaw | Warren | Male | African American | Free | Presser | December 31, 1922 | 33 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | Louvenia | Female | African American | Enslaved | Housework | December 31, 1919 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Harris | Nora | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1966 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Nora Harris, who resided at 462 Madison Avenue, died in October 1967. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
Brown | Mary | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1913 | December 31, 1944 | 31 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Mary Frances Brown was born on 1914. She most likely married Reese Brown, a "helper" at Athens Labor Company, and, according to the 1940 City Directory, the couple lived at 151 Strickland Avenue. At 31 years old, she died from unknown causes on 1945. | |
Heard | J. | Unknown | African American | Free | December 31, 1893 | December 31, 1893 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to the tombstone, J. T. Heard Jr. was born on July 31, 1894 and died August 30, 1894. It was the sibling of M. L. Heard. | ||
Ector | Benjiman | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
[Goon?] | [??] | Female | African American | Free | 75 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, [??] Sally [Goon?] died during the 1940s at 75 years old. | |||
Lyons | C.H.S. | Male | African American | Free | Academic | December 31, 1880 | December 31, 1954 | 74 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | C. H. S. (or C. M. S.) Lyons Sr. was born on July 25, 1881. He may have worked as a professor or teacher. According to the 1952 City Directory, he was president of the Union Baptist Institute (known Jeruel Academy) and lived at 427 Baxter Street. He died on June 26, 1955. |
Turner | Luther | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1884 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Luther Turner was born around 1885. He married Frances Turner and the couple had at least seven children: John, Dorthey, Walter, Fannis, Charles, Joseph, and Crawford. In 1920, the couple lived on Water Street and he worked as a laborer for the Southern Railroad. In 1940, they lived at 970 Hobson Street and he worked as a watchman. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
Thomas | Palace | Female | African American | Enslaved | Housework | December 31, 1924 | 71 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Teasley | Dottie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1973 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Dottie Susie Teasley, who resided at 275 Fourth Street, died from unknown causes in March 1974. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
Cleveland | John | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1868 | December 31, 1930 | 62 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | John Cleveland was born between 1865 and 1875. He married Liza Cleveland, a laundress, and the couple had a least one child: Johnnie, Magnolia, and Manda. Unable to read or write, he worked as an oil mill laborer in 1920 and was working as a laborer in 1929. He was not working in 1930 and lived at 168 John Street in Athens. He died from unknown causes on November 27, 1931; he was around 62 years of age at the time of his death. |
Jackson | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | Doctor | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1930 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sweetie Poline and Thomas Nathaniel Jackson, Thomas N. Jackson was born on June 12, 1897. As a child in 1900, he lived on Barber Street with his family. He graduated from Knox Institute in 1915. At the start of the First World War, he lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue and worked as a grist mill operator. During the war, he was a student at the Army Training Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1930, he worked as a physician in Athens. He died from [??] on November 8, 1931. According to the Death Certificate, he worked as a physician and lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. |
Reid | Willie | Male | African American | Free | Butcher | December 31, 1893 | December 31, 1937 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Nora Smith and Willie Reid, Willie Reid was born on August 16, 1894. In 1910, he lived with his grandmother (Della Batiste) and worked as a brick yard laborer. During the First World War he served in the 315th Labor Battalion. At 43 years old, He died from rheumatic heart disease on April 15, 1938. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a butcher and lived at 462 Madison Avenue. |
Odoms | Corene | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1921 | 2 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Haynes | Rachel | Female | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1904 | December 31, 1920 | 15 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Merriweather | W. | Unknown | African American | Free | December 31, 1912 | December 31, 1930 | 17 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to the tombstone, W. G. Merriweather was born on November 26, 1913 and died on July 20, 1931. This individual was only 17 years at the time of their death. | |
Winkfield | Callie | Female | African American | Free | Teacher | December 31, 1894 | December 31, 1969 | 76 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Jennie L. Davis, Callie V. Winkfield was born between 1892 and 1895. In 1930, she worked as a public school teacher and lived with her mother at 229 Bridge Street. In 1945, the National Alliance of Postal Employees meet at her home in Athens. She died from unknown causes on July 31, 1970 in Fulton, Georgia. |
Bacon | Marenia | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1823 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Minerva Bacon was born around 1824 and most likely enslaved as a young woman. She married Robert Bacon sometime before 1870 and the couple had at least threechildren: Robert Jr., Edward, and Mary. In 1880, she lived with her husband, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren at 353 Foundry Street in Athens. She worked as a “Washer & Ironer” in 1880 and as a “cook” in 1889. According to the 1889 City Directory, she lived at 414 N Foundry Street. She died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
Booke | Ben | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1926 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Dillard | William | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1907 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | William Dillard was born around 1844 and most likely enslaved. According to the 1870 Census, he worked as Day Laborer. She married Racheal Dillard and they had at least two children: Nannie and Annie. In 1904, he worked as a laborer and lived at 640 Fourth Street. He was one of the founding members of the Gospel Pilgrim Society. | |
Jones | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Mason | December 31, 1876 | December 31, 1936 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Susan Harris and Robert Jones, Robert L. Jones was born on July 9, 1872 (or 1877). Around 1908, he married Effie Jones and the couple appears not to have had children. He worked as a brick mason in 1910 and as a “Tiel Setter” in 1930. He died from apoplexy on February 12,1937. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a brick mason and lived at 167 Paris Street |
Smith | Candace or Candance? | Female | African American | Enslaved | Domestic | December 31, 1847 | December 31, 1927 | 84 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Violet Baxter, Candance Wylie Smith was born around 1848. She died on September 29, 1928. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a domestic and lived on a “country farm” outside of Athens. |
Shaw | Will | Male | African American | Free | Chauffer | December 31, 1926 | 38 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | Margaret | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1920 | 87 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Hawkins | Mattie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1952 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Mattie M. Hawkins, who resided at 650 Hancock Avenue, died on December 31, 1953. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
Brown | Ella | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1879 | December 31, 1928 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to her tombstone, Ella Smith Brown was born on 1880 ans died from unknown causes on 1929. At the time of her death, she was around 49 years old. |